Sign our petition to add a referendum to the March ballot on childcare for all instead of a ballot question on whether to rollback the Welcoming Chicago ordinance passed in the Harold Washington administration.
With the Christmas holiday upon us, we should discuss how to invest more in childcare, not roll back protections for immigrants and refugees by undoing the Welcoming Chicago ordinance.
That was a main message from our social justice posadas on December 6th. Some 200 members and friends of Coalition for Spiritual & Public Leadership marched from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church through Back of the Yards.
The march featured stops to highlight our advocacy issues and our vision for the Kin-Dom of God. A party followed featuring a raffle of donated crafts and services from members including our catering and cleaning service cooperative members.
Las Posadas is a Mexican tradition honoring the story of Joseph and Mary seeking shelter before the birth of Jesus. Families march through their home or neighborhood knocking on doors and asking to be let in. CSPL adapted the story of the posadas to highlight our advocacy issues.
“In the name of God, I ask for your guidance and support to provide resources for our young students,” Kristine Khieu said as she knocked at the door of a vacant building south of Immaculate Heart of Mary on Ashland Avenue.
“This building symbolizes the only mental health clinic in Back of the Yards that was closed down years ago. Our young students are facing a mental health crisis like never before…. Let us come together to ensure that our students not only survive but thrive, by incorporating preventative care for mental health into their education, fostering a safe, vibrant, and healthy life for all.”
“There’s no room for you here,” the choir told Khieu. “This building closed down and more are closing down. Journey on!”
That’s just what we did. Singing and marching, 100 strong, the group continued south and made stops to highlight Chicago’s historic role welcoming immigrants and the need for affordable childcare.
We’re grateful to the many members who led the event and thanks to everyone who joined us!
The Posadas also caught the attention of Chicago news media, with a reporter from Fox-32 local news covering the event as well as Chicago Catholic newspaper sending a photographer.
